Pinky’s up from the moment you push open the door.

That’s the ambiance at the Polo Bar in midtown Manhattan.

Kudos to Ralph Lauren…he has done it again.

Simple, classy and darn good food.

Reservations are as difficult to come by as a bargain at one of Ralph Lauren’s boutiques on 5th Avenue.

Upon arrival, you are greeted in the vestibule by a gracious woman.

Through the glass you can see an elegant bar with an beautiful golden brass veneer, but you cannot walk in and order a cocktail unless you have landed a reservation.

Hangin’ at the Polo Bar is a no no unless your name is on the list.

We were a bit early so we decided to have a drink upstairs.

I selected Cremant, Francois Baur Brut ($12). David ordered a Manhattan.

The bartender (there are 4 behind the compact bar) created the cocktail with much flourish and condescension.

Interesting that an unappealing bartender with a personality on the rocks can have so much confidence and swagger, but who am I to judge.

After all, this is a age of classless trumpism.

30 minutes later, we descended the elegant staircase and stepped up to the host stand.

We were immediately escorted to our table in the classic, clubby dining room embellished with a plethora of oil paintings.

There was great attention to detail…even pillows for back comfort.

We loved our server, Krista, an actor/writer endowed with a fabulous personality.

We so enjoyed our conversation and we were startled to see that none of the other tables engaged with her…their loss.

We had come from theatre and to be honest I was definitely not feeling well, but Krista helped me out with a fresh ginger beer drink ($8).

Soon after, I started to feel better so we ordered.

Much of the menu is dotted with Ralph Lauren’s favorite dishes.

The meal kicks off with a warm, flaky popover.

Fond Food Memories…I remember when my grandmother would take me to the Chanticleer Restaurant at Bloomingdale’s in Stamford, Connecticut. The  homemade popovers and dash of coffee in the miniature glass cream pitchers was as anticipated as her buying me a new outfit.

We split a chilled, crisp Caesar salad with delicious Pecorino accented with a fabulous, light dressing ($18).

I had not eaten all day, but I had to sample their renown cheeseburger which lived up to the hype.

The burger was perfectly charred on the outside. The meat was delicious, flown in from Ralph Lauren’s ranch outside of Telluride, Colorado. It was accompanied by exquisitely prepared french fries.

David ordered the Veggie Burger with Avocado, Tomato, Pepper Jack Cheese & Barbecue Sauce which he raved about ($21).

A vegetarian menu is also offered.

In addition to the featured hamburger, there are plenty of fish and poultry options on the menu.

We passed on dessert, but the hot fudge sundae looked incredible ($12).

I must admit that despite my trepidations about the Polo Bar (the Kardashians love it), it was a delightful experience and I would definitely make a repeat appearance.

The Polo Bar 1 East 55th Street New York City. Open for dinner Monday-Saturday 5-10:30pm, Sunday 5-10pm. Reservations a must. Available on OpenTable.com.